Egypt court cancels order to remove Mubarak name

Egypt’s appeals court rescinded a ruling to remove the names of ousted President Hosni Mubarak and his wife Suzanne from schools and streets, state news agency MENA reported on Thursday.

Officials seeking to win presidential favour named public buildings, military installations and rural clinics after Mubarak in the years before a popular uprising toppled him in February.

“The court of appeals … cancelled an earlier ruling issued by the court of first degree that decided to remove the name of former President Hosni Mubarak and that of his wife Suzanne Thabet from all institutions,” MENA said.

The agency said the court decided to refer the case to State Council for review.

Mubarak faces a trial on August 3 on charges of killing protesters, which could carry the death penalty. He is also accused of abuse of power, wasting public funds and unlawfully making private financial gains.

He was admitted to hospital in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh in April after reportedly suffering heart problems during his initial questioning.

Suzanne was released from detention in May after agreeing to give up her assets but she is still being investigated over whether she amassed her wealth illegally.

She too was admitted to the same hospital for the symptoms of a heart attack shortly after she was ordered to be detained.

Their two sons, Gamal who was once viewed as a possible future president, and Alaa, are also in jail and will stand trial alongside their father.